Opening in the glass with notions of rich berry fruit, licorice, cedar, violets and loamy soil, the 2019 Cantemerle is medium to full-bodied, with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and powdery tannins that gently assert themselves on the finish. This shut down a little after bottling (some 11 months ago at the time of writing), but it is beginning to bounce back to reveal a wine of real charm and character.

68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Barrel sample. Really quite graceful in a Margaux sort of way. Fresh, zesty nose with cassis and graphite notes. Juicy and long with plenty of delicately etched tannins offering refinement to the palate. Sufficient fruit weight. Clean, persistent finish with no excess. (JL)

Tasted blind. Sweet, lightly oaky nose. Quite fresh, but a bit stringy on the end. Not quite enough fruit concentration on the end. Just a bit weak but not exaggerated. (JR)

Old-fashioned savoury black fruit with tannins that grip without asphyxiating. Savoury tart finish with lots of classic cassis. Ready to drink now (with food). (RH)

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Black core and deep crimson rim. Pure, deep cassis nose. Powerful, dry, dark-fruited wine. Elegantly structured without a great deal of flesh but the tannins are very fine. Firm, chewy finish. (JH)